Summer in Wisconsin means spending more time in the water on different beaches.
The beaches here are a perfect way to cool off, and most of them are kid-friendly.
Wisconsin beaches are diverse, with unique sceneries to enjoy.
You can enjoy the view of the state capitol building while practicing your breaststroke in Lake Manoma or sit on the rocks of one of the most incredible beaches in Wisconsin, the Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island.
Whatever your ideal beach looks like, this scenic state has one.
12 Best Beaches in Wisconsin
If you’re considering vacationing on Wisconsin’s pristine coastlines, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are the best beaches to visit in Wisconsin.
1. North Beach
According to USA Today, North Beach is among the 51 most incredible American beaches.
Sitting on the banks of Lake Michigan, this beach is an excellent destination for visitors and locals.
The renowned coastline is well-loved for its exceptional family-friendly facilities, charming backdrops, and clean shoreline.
You can also visit this place with your friends as it is safe, featuring professionally trained lifeguards, calm cerulean water, and a spacious sandy shoreline.
There’s a boatload of amenities for the kids, including a playground to keep them thoroughly entertained.
There’s also a beach volleyball court for fun games, showers, and parking for your vehicle.
The best time to visit North Beach is during the summer months when you get a chance to watch live beachfront music shows.
2. Big Bay Beach
The Big Bay Beach is one of the most exciting beaches to visit in Wisconsin.
Sitting on the northern side of the state on Madeline Island, this beach is a popular spot for locals looking to enjoy their day swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
It has two miles of sandy shoreline and offers jaw-dropping views of the lush greenery nearby, the great Lake Superior, and the picturesque landscape.
The sparkling water is inviting for activities such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, lakefront picnicking, hiking the nearby areas, and stand-up paddleboarding.
If you would like to spend the night here, Big Bay town park has several award-winning campsites that are easily accessible to the beach.
Just pitch your tent and take full advantage of the available amenities to enjoy your camping and stay comfortable.
3. Schoolhouse Beach
The schoolhouse beach is one of Wisconsin’s most remarkable and unforgettable beaches.
Instead of sand, the beach is lined with smooth, rounded limestone rocks.
It’s considered a geological wonder due to its unique makeup and breathtaking shoreline.
Tourists come here to enjoy the crystalline blue water, step on the pebble shoreline and enjoy the multiple facilities nearby.
You can find picnic facilities to comfortably enjoy your packed meals, ample parking space, and clean changing areas and restrooms.
Friends and families can enjoy picnics, leisure swimming, grilling hotdogs, and burgers, stacking pebbles, taking pictures, and other activities.
Just be sure to pack slippers and aqua shoes to make moving around the pebbly shoreline easier.
4. Point Beach
Located in Point Beach State Forest in Two Rivers, Point Beach is another family-friendly beach worth exploring.
It’s a natural beauty, offering you an exciting escape from your daily hectic city life.
Point Beach is the ideal place to go on a getaway on your own with your partner, friends, and family.
You can take a serene stroll, make sculptures out of the sand with your children or relax by the shore as you read a good book.
5. Elkhart Lake
Elkhart Lake has a beautiful beach location due to its deep, clear spring-fed aquamarine water.
Located in the heart of one of the best small towns in Wisconsin, the water here is so crystal clear that you can see the fish swimming.
You can almost see the bottom, which extends 120 feet below.
Apart from swimming, people can engage in other activities like kayaking, paddleboats, hydro-bikes, and pontoon cruises.
Finding kayak rentals and water sports is much easier, or you can go for a guided trip before settling down to relax and read a book.
6. Kohler Andrae State Park
Kohler in Andrae State Park beach is a pretty beach that features a sun-kissed shoreline, captivating Lake Michigan views, and lush greenery.
This beach has the most expansive sand dunes in the state, stretching along Lake Michigan, which is one of the reasons it’s popular.
The area is also known for being one of the best romantic getaways in the state.
The beach features a two-mile sandy shoreline great for swimming and amazing views all around.
The sand dunes and wood-planked trails are comfortable for walking, and paddle boarding is the most popular activity on this beach.
If you’re coming with your dog, the park has pet-friendly beach areas.
If you take long walks in the nearby wetlands, you may spot waterfowl and other bird species.
Other activities you can enjoy on this beautiful beach include kayaking, canoeing, and boating.
7. Nicolet Bay Beach
Located at Peninsula state park, Nicolet Beach spans roughly 944 feet.
This beautiful beach offers a multitude of engaging activities that you can enjoy doing with your family or travel buddies.
Some of the fun activities you can try include kayaking, sailing, going on a beachfront bike ride, boating, canoeing, and playing volleyball.
There are also plenty of amenities you can use, such as a playground for children, picnic areas, guest rooms and showers, buoys, and ropes that mark the safe areas for swimming.
No need to get your own water sports equipment as the beach has a facility that rents out canoes, beach trikes, bicycles, and kayaks at the venue.
8. Simmons Island Beach
The Simons Island beach is one of the well-maintained strips of sand that you will come across in Wisconsin.
The boardwalk takes you to the north pier lighthouse, and some arrive here by boat instead of walking.
Simmons Island beach spans roughly 28 acres and is one of the most popular beaches in Wisconsin.
It has a powdery shoreline, azure water, and a long wooden boardwalk.
The coastline is ADA-accessible and comes with portable mobility mats on the shoreline.
Activities you can enjoy with your loved ones include swimming in the cool water, kayaking, sunbathing, and fishing.
There’s also a playground to keep your kids entertained when not swimming.
Paved trails are ideal for biking, and clean restrooms are available.
9. Bradford Beach
Featuring a golden sand shoreline, sparkling cerulean water, and multiple recreational opportunities, Bradford Beach is an excellent spot for relaxing and having fun.
There are so many activities you can try, including flying kites, playing beach soccer, splashing water, and playing sandy volleyball.
The facilities here sell all kinds of refreshing drinks and snacks, so you don’t have to bring your own when coming.
Lifeguards are on constant alert, and the parking lot nearby makes it easier to unpack and pack your things.
To get to the right spot and avoid crowds, visit during the off-season and go early in the morning.
10. Devil’s Lake State Park Beach
Another wonderful treasure in Wisconsin is the Devil’s Lake State Park beach, which features two different sections, South and North.
The beach draws tourists from all over the country due to the fact that it also rests within the largest park in the state.
The charming shoreline features multiple amenities like showers that allow you to wash up after a long day, grills, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
You can enjoy many activities, such as scuba diving, kayaking, boating, canoeing, rafting, fishing, jumping from rocky cliffs into the pristine water, and paddle boarding.
11. Meyers Beach
Meyers Beach is located on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and is one of the most scenic beaches in Wisconsin.
It features a perfect coastline that rests on the shores of Lake Superior.
It’s a wonderful place to spend quality time with a loved one while enjoying various bonding activities such as photo-taking, swimming, and picnicking on the shoreline.
Other great activities you can enjoy here include kayaking and exploring beautiful caves.
The caves are accessible by kayak, but you can also hike there.
The hiking trail runs roughly four miles.
12. Pattison State Park Beach
The Pattison State Park beach is another delightful coastline with a backdrop of towering trees, glimmering sapphire-blue water, and a grassy lawn area.
It’s the ideal place to enjoy a laid-back experience with your friends, family, or spouse.
You can engage in fun games with kids, such as building castles, swimming, or picnicking.
Go early to find a comfortable spot.
There are picnic areas to enjoy delicious meals, clean restrooms, and a playground nearby.
Wisconsin Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Wisconsin Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim in Wisconsin?
Yes.
The majority of the waters in Wisconsin are safe for swimming.
Always pay attention to the markings that show safe areas for swimming when you go to the beach.
Is it free to swim in Wisconsin?
There are various charges depending on the beach you visit and whether you’re a local or a foreigner.
What is the best time to visit Wisconsin beaches?
The best time to visit all Wisconsin beaches is during the summer months.
What should you bring when visiting the beaches in Wisconsin?
Bring your beach towels, sunscreen, and other swimming essentials; everything else is provided for on most beaches.
